Big discussion at work today!!!

[maximus maximus]

How does you pronounce "often"?

1) Is it pronounced as "O-F-T-E-N" (t not silent)

Or

2) Is is pronounced as "O-F-E-N" (t silent)

I say option 1) is correct.

 

[j00fek]

1

/thread

 

[mugs]

Did anyone at your work discuss looking it up in a dictionary?

http://www.answers.com/often&r=67

USAGE NOTE During the 15th century English experienced a widespread loss of certain consonant sounds within consonant clusters, as the (d) in handsome and handkerchief, the (p) in consumption and raspberry, and the (t) in chestnut and often. In this way the consonant clusters were simplified and made easier to articulate. With the rise of public education and literacy and, consequently, people's awareness of spelling in the 19th century, sounds that had become silent sometimes were restored, as is the case with the t in often, which is now frequently pronounced. In other similar words, such as soften and listen, the t generally remains silent.

Either is appropriate.

I remember a while back someone posted this link:
http://www.yourdictionary.com/library/mispron.html

Which says that ofen is the correct prounciation. The "correct" pronunciation and definition of words changes based on how people use them.

 

[acemcmac]

Proper english is option 1. Interestingly enough, dictionary.com lists option 2 as an acceptable pronunciation as welll...

 

[us3rnotfound]

That was a big discussion for our class in the 4th Grade .

The teacher said either is appropriate.

 

[MrChad]

Hmm, you're in Texas, that complicates the discussion a bit.

 

[ViviTheMage]

lordy, that ones debatable...

I say both :S

 

[Demon-Xanth]

http://m-w.com/dictionary/often

 

[dquan97]

where's my TPS report?

 

[nakedfrog]

At least you're not asking if it's "might as well" or "mine as well"

 

[OREOSpeedwagon]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
I say both :S